Bariatric surgery is very common these days. In fact, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), 252,000 bariatric procedures were performed in 2018.
If you are overweight and have been considering having a bariatric surgical procedure you may be worried about what is coming your way.
There’s a lot to understand, and some preparation to do in advance of having such a surgery.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the surgery itself, as well as how you need to be prepared. Read on to find out more…
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Making Your Decision
Firstly, you need to be certain that surgical intervention is the way you want to go.
Although these surgeries are not particularly invasive these days (more on that later) it’s still quite a big decision for many to make.
You may have tried everything: this diet, that diet, his workout plan, her detox plan. But sometimes, people really struggle to lose weight on their own, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
We simply recommend you try a bit of everything before committing to surgery. This way you know you are making the right decision for yourself.
Speak to your family physician about your decision and receive proper medical advice, this way you will know if you are suitable or eligible for such a surgery.
Your physician will then refer you to a specialist team and qualified bariatric surgeon to help your final stages of assessment.
Once you’ve done all this, if you still believe surgery is the choice for you, then you know you’ve made the right decision!
Understanding The Surgery
We briefly mentioned that most bariatric surgery is performed laparoscopically in modern times, so let’s start there.
If you don’t know what laparoscopic surgery is, it’s a much less invasive way of performing surgery than traditional ‘open’ surgery.
With laparoscopic surgery, a few small incisions are made. These incisions then become entry points for a camera and surgical equipment.
The surgery is performed through these holes meaning you have only a few scars and a much quicker recovery time.
But what about the procedure itself? Well, there are a few types of bariatric surgeries available today. The main two being: Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass surgeries.
Both are performed laparoscopically and involve resecting away a large portion of your stomach. In gastric sleeve procedures, this is all that is done.
This leaves you with a much smaller sleeve or tube-shaped stomach, meaning you become fuller quicker and for longer. A bypass operation is similar but involves also a resection of a section of the small intestine.
This helps you absorb fewer calories, as some calories are absorbed in the small intestine. Therefore, bypass surgery is a little more complicated, but with both surgeries, you should be at home and recovering within 24 hours.
In fact, many people return home on the same day as their operation.
Ways To Prepare
1. Do Your Research
As you are reading this article, you obviously already want to do a bit of research. This is a great place to begin.
Firstly, you should know as much as you can about the procedure and how your life, eating habits, and body will change post-op.
We believe it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself in for and making sure you’re happy with your choice! Speak to your surgeon, other patients, and people online about their experiences with bypass or sleeve surgeries.
2. Speak To Your Insurance Provider
Most insurance providers will cover gastric sleeve surgery, but some do not cover bypass surgery.
Either way, it will need to be part of your insurance coverage policy if you would like help with the payment.
It is always best to reach out to your insurance provider well in advance of booking any procedure just to be on the safe side.
Not to panic though, because you can always save a little and fund the procedure yourself! Some places offer respected and successful procedures for as little as $3500.
3. Quit Smoking
When it comes to surgery and anesthetic in general, smoking is a big no-no. Smoking, as we all know, clogs your arteries and lungs.
Anesthesiologists don’t like looking after smokers as their risk is so much higher.
Also, smoking or using nicotine products has been shown to dramatically increase risks in bariatric surgeries, both on the table and postoperatively. If you are serious about this surgery, put the cigarette down!
4. Change Your Diet
Now, I know we’ve already discussed diets, and I can hear many of you shouting “don’t you think I’ve tried that already?” at the monitor, but I don’t mean ‘go on a diet!’
Simply put, the better shape you are in, the less likely surgical complications can be. After surgery, you will likely be following a meal plan, so it also helps to get your brain and body used to eating in a certain way.
Before your surgery for 2 weeks or more, you should follow a higher protein and less carbohydrate-based diet.
Focus on healthy foods, greens, and lean proteins. Eat 3 meals a day including breakfast, and skip on sugary treats and junk food.
Trust us, it might be hard to start with, but post-surgery you’ll definitely be pleased you got a head start!
5. Start Exercising
Again, not everyone’s favorite! We come back to the risk factor here. Your cardiovascular health is vital when you are on the operating table.
Anesthetic puts pressure on this system. If you can boost your cardio fitness, even just a little bit, you will be putting yourself in a stronger position to come through surgery complication-free.
You don’t need to go big here, especially if you are not currently exercising. Start small – get up and walk for 5-10 minutes.
Once this is comfortable, incorporate some stair climbing, longer distance, or a very gentle jog. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you feel fitter, and will likely want to continue exercising post-op!
Those are our top five tips for preparing for bariatric surgery, along with plenty of background information on the procedures themselves and what you should be prepared for.
If you are strongly considering bariatric surgery then simply reach out to your physician or find a recognized surgeon online. We wish you all the best with your weight-loss journey.